Director Chosen for FIFTY SHADS OF GREY Film

USA Today reports that British director Sam Taylor-Johnson will helm the highly anticipated big screen adaptation of 50 SHADES OF GREY. The book's best-selling author, E.L. James announced on her Twitter feed that Taylor-Johnson has signed on for the steamy romance novel for Universal Pictures and Focus Features.

"I'm delighted & thrilled to let you guys know that Sam Taylor-Johnson has agreed to direct the film of 'Fifty Shades of Grey,'" posted James.

Taylor-Johnson, 46, is best known for her 2009 indie film "Nowhere Boy," which follows the childhood of former Beatles band member John Lennon.

"I am excited to be charged with the evolution of 'Fifty Shades of Grey' from page to screen," said Taylor-Johnson in a statement. "For the legions of fans, I want to say that I will honor the power of Erika's book and the characters of Christian and Anastasia. They are under my skin too."